The beloved beach communities of the Grand Strand take on a spectacular peculiarity when October arrives: the Myrtle Beach boardwalk beams with an enchanting glow, historic trees in Conway magically bear bright orange fruit and, in North Myrtle Beach, surfers seem a bit bewitched.
These unexpected sights are just part of the fun found across the Myrtle Beach area throughout the month as the region revels in numerous Halloween festivities from spirited celebrations to complete town takeovers. Here are some of the most distinctive Halloween experiences worth experiencing firsthand:
- The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk glows with activities during Fright Nights, bringing 15 days of free Halloween entertainment across five weekends from Oct. 2-Nov. 1, including Glow and Flow nights on select Saturdays filled with lasers, fire and LED performances as well as Green Foam Parties on Sundays. Halloween weekend delivers the biggest surprises with an oceanfront Halloween Carnival followed by a Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 1.
- Historic downtown Conway illuminates with “pumpkin trees” during the entire month of October when bright orange jack-o’-lanterns hang from the majestic Live Oaks complemented by themed decorations throughout the walkable district, including the Riverwalk’s seasonal “Shiverwalk” experience. The city proclaims itself City of Halloween, S.C. for the entire month with festivities for all ages like the Graveyard Grand Prix Coffin Races on Oct. 17, where costumed teams race homemade, human-powered coffins, accompanied by food trucks, vendors, children's activities, music and spooky performers.
- Calling all Witches and Wizards for a special themed activity on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Broadway at the Beach’s lawn near the Broadway Theater. Gear up at the nearby Cloak and Wand, which opened in July as an immersive, wizard-inspired shop that features custom cloaks and wands. The magical event is part of The Patch at Broadway series, which features daily Halloween-inspired activities Sept. 25 – Oct. 31.
- North Myrtle Beach’s 17th Avenue North beach access takes on a spellbinding spectacle as costumed witches trade broomsticks for surfboards during the annual Witches Sunrise Surf. Held at sunrise on Oct. 17, bewitched surfers paddle into the Atlantic while wearing pointed hats, flowing capes and creative Halloween costumes.
- In North Myrtle Beach, furry friends can join in on the fun activities during Barefoot Landing’s BooFest! on Oct. 24 from Noon to 4 p.m. with costume contests for the young ones and pets plus stilt walkers and activities.
- Decorate pumpkins and build your own scarecrows during Harvest Home Weekend, Oct. 3-4 at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet.
- Test your skills at various trick-or-treat stations during Halloween BOOnanza at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, Oct. 24, 2026 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Each weekend Sept. 19 – Nov. 1, Thompson Farm Fall Festival in Conway features fun farm activities, including Oct. 3- 4, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., including Halloween Day when a helicopter will drop over 15,000 treats and candy from the sky at 2 p.m.
From playful pumpkins to things that light up the night, Halloween offers another reason to experience all that the Myrtle Beach area has to offer. Find additional events and start planning your October getaway at VisitMyrtleBeach.com.
